Holiday Salad
This post may contain affiliate links.
This bright and festive Holiday Salad recipe comes together in minutes, adding its beautiful color to any table. Vibrant greens, crisp apples, creamy goat cheese, pomegranate arils, and pecans make every bite fresh and seasonal. The homemade apple cider vinaigrette ties it all together with the perfect balance of tangy and sweet flavors!
Why You’ll Love It
The salad looks impressive but takes almost no time to make, which is ideal for busy holiday cooking.
The combination of crunchy fruit, creamy cheese, and crisp greens gives it lots of texture without any complicated prep. The apple cider vinaigrette comes together quickly and adds a bright, bold flavor that complements the sweetness of the apples and pomegranate arils perfectly.
This holiday salad is equally perfect for special dinner and simple weeknight meals. It’s a great potluck dish, too!
Happy Kitchen Secrets
Here are my important mom-tested cooking tips for making this salad recipe! I’ve made this countless times to save you from a failed attempt.
- Prep the right way. If you’re prepping ahead, slice the apples last or toss them in a little lemon juice to keep them from browning.
- Chill your bowl. To help keep the salad crisp and fresh when serving, chill the serving bowl for 10 minutes before assembling the salad. This will help prevent the greens from wilting.
- Choose the right apples. Use Honeycrisp apples for the best crunch and sweetness, but any firm apple variety works well. Apples should be firm and fragrant when they are ripe.
Ingredients and Substitutions
Start with a base of mixed greens for a crisp, fresh foundation. Add creamy goat cheese for richness, and pomegranate arils for a juicy burst of sweetness and bright color.
Honeycrisp apples bring crunch and a naturally sweet flavor that pairs well with the tangy dressing, while pecans add a toasty, nutty element that makes the salad hearty.
For the apple cider vinaigrette, you’ll start with apple cider vinegar for acidity and olive oil for richness. Dijon mustard adds a little depth, and honey balances the vinegar. A bit of fresh garlic ties everything together and gives the vinaigrette a deliciously savory finish. And don’t forget to season with salt and black pepper!
If you’re looking to make changes, you can swap the pomegranate seeds for dried cranberries. You can also swap the greens, adding in massaged kale or arugula for a peppery bite. Finally, pecans can be traded for toasted almonds if you prefer.
How to Make the Holiday Salad
Because this is such an easy salad recipe, there isn’t much to it at all!
Scroll down to the recipe card for the full step by step instructions! ⬇️
- Whisk the dressing ingredients together in a small bowl. You can also just add everything to a jar, pop the lid on, and give it a good shake. Set it aside while you build the salad.
- Arrange the salad in a serving bowl or on a platter. Start with the mixed greens. Then, scatter the apples, pomegranate arils, goat cheese, and pecans over the top.
- Drizzle about half of the dressing over the greens and toss everything so it’s lightly coated. Then, add the rest of the dressing right before serving, or keep it on the side!
Make it kid friendly: Kids love the sweet apples and pomegranate arils in this salad. Try serving the dressing on the side so they can add as much or as little as they like!
Holiday Salad Recipe FAQs
You can prep the ingredients a few hours in advance, but wait to dress the greens until just before serving. This way, everything will stay crisp and fresh.
Store any leftover salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one day. The greens soften in the dressing, so it’s best to enjoy the salad on the day you make it. Keep the dressing separate if you plan to store portions for later.
Totally! Feta works well for a saltier flavor, and shaved Parmesan is a good option if you prefer something firmer and less creamy.
Are you planning to host or attend any holiday parties this year? If so, I have some fantastic recipes for Christmas appetizers and lighter holiday side dishes for you. Be sure to check them out!
I'd love to hear about your experience making this recipe! Please leave a comment and rating below!
Holiday Salad
Ingredients
Apple Cider Vinaigrette:
- ¼ cup apple cider vinegar
- ¼ cup olive oil
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 clove garlic minced (about 1 teaspoon)
- 1 pinch salt to taste
- 1 pinch black pepper to taste
Holiday Salad:
- 6 ounces mixed greens
- 4 ounces goat cheese bite-size pieces or crumbles
- ½ cup pomegranate arils
- 2 large honey crisp apples cored and sliced
- ½ cup chopped pecans
- ¾ cup apple cider vinaigrette to taste
Instructions
- Whisk together dressing ¼ cup apple cider vinegar, ¼ cup olive oil, 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard, 1 tablespoon honey, 1 clove garlic , 1 pinch salt and 1 pinch black pepper and set aside.
- In a large serving bowl or dish, add 6 ounces mixed greens4 ounces goat cheese, ½ cup pomegranate arils, 2 large honey crisp applesand ½ cup chopped pecans.
- Drizzle half of the ¾ cup apple cider vinaigrette onto the salad greens and toss to coat before adding the remaining dressing.
Notes
Nutrition
Serving Suggestions
This easy salad recipe pairs perfectly with holiday dishes and everyday favorites. Try it with:
- Holiday Mains: Serve alongside roasted chicken, turkey, or a holiday ham.
- Soups: Pair with creamy butternut squash soup or a simple carrot soup for a cozy meal.
- Other sides: Serve it along with other delicious light holiday sides like roasted sheet pan vegetables.
- Breads: Enjoy with warm dinner rolls or a rustic sourdough loaf.
